Abstract

Summary

Chloroquine as used commonly in dermatologic practice has relatively low toxicity in spite of prolonged course of therapy. The most frequent reactions are minor disturbances such as anorexia, nausea, weight loss, nervousness and difficulty in accommodation. Less frequent reactions are maculo-papular drug eruptions and achromotrichia. The rarer complications are major drug eruptions and visceral reactions. Attention to minor reactions will often prevent more serious reactions later. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is usually, but not always, more easily tolerated than chloroquine.